The 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance->ke2839 hosted many car debuts, including the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and a couple of BMW->ke178 concepts->ke169, one of which is the 2016 BMW M4 GTS. Showcased more than a year after the new 2015 BMW M4 arrived, the Concept M4 GTS previews the much-rumored M4 GTS, a high-performance, track-focused coupe built in the vein of the limited-edition, 2010 M3 GTS and its iconic forerunners, including the 1988 M3->ke2366 Evolution and the 2001 to 2003 M3 CSL.

"While the BMW->ke178 M4->ke4183 Coupe->ke141 embodies the ideal combination of motorsport genes and unrestricted everyday usability, the BMW Concept M4 GTS previews an emotionally powerful and exclusive special model conceived with an eye for trailblazing technology and a keen focus on the race track," explains Frank van Meel, president of BMW M Division. "Despite its outstanding track ability, it is still fully road-legal. This is racing->ke2345 technology for the road in the truest sense."

The carmaker didn't say how long until the production version arrives, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it break cover by the end of 2015. Until then, let's have a closer look at what appears to be a production-ready coupe.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW Concept M4 GTS.

2016 BMW Concept M4 GTS

Specifications
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  • Model: 2016 BMW Concept M4 GTS
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Although the Concept M4 GTS is recognizable as an M4, there are a lot of add-ons setting it apart from its standard sibling. Up front, there's an adjustable carbon-fiber splitter and a wider air intake. Both optimize air flow and minimize front axle lift, which is crucial for a vehicle that aims to take the M4's performance to a whole new level. In addition to the carbon-fiber splitter that shaves a few pounds off the standard car, the GTS also received CFRP hood, which is lighter than a standard one so helps to lower the car's center of gravity.

Further upgrades are visible around back in the form of a massive, adjustable wing and a slightly modified diffuser, both also made of carbon fiber. Rounding off the concept's appearance are the "M4 GTS" badge on the trunklid and the OLED taillights. As a brief reminder, OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, is a new technology that produces full-surface and homogenous illumination, in contrast to LEDs, which emit light from a single point.

Aerodynamic enhancements aside, the M4 GTS is also wrapped in a special livery combining a Frozen Dark Grey Metallic paint with Acid Orange accents on the front splitter and the lightweight, forged polished wheels. Measuring 19 inches at front and 20 inches at the rear, the rollers are wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires.

Expect all these features to find their way onto the the production M4 GTS, except for the orange accents, which are likely to remain exclusive to the concept car.

Interior

Note: Interior of standard 2015 BMW M4 shown here.

BMW had nothing to say about the concept's interior, but it's safe to assume it is largely based on the standard M4's. Updates for both the concept and production cars should include a race-inspired steering wheel and pedals, and racing seats with multi-point harnesses, as well as a bespoke instrument cluster, a full rollcage and maybe a set of lightweight door panels.

Drivetrain

Note: Standard 2015 BMW M4 engine shown here.

Powering the Concept M4 GTS is the same twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, inline-six found in the standard M4, but equipped with the same innovative water injection system used on the 2015 BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car. Specifically, the new system injects water directly into the plenums of the intake manifold, where it is vaporized, resulting in a lower compression temperature in the combustion chamber.

BMW claims this translates into more horsepower and torque, but it doesn't provide actual figures. If I were to take a guess, I'd say the six-cylinder unit generates around 450 horses, which is 25 horsepower more than the regular M4. The extra horsepower should shave a tenth-second off the M4's 0-to-60 sprint, which takes 4.1 seconds with the manual and 3.9 seconds with the automatic transmission. I expect the same water injection system to be offered in the production M4 GTS as well.

Conclusion

With rumors of a new GTS-badged Bimmer flying around since 2014, this concept car basically confirms that Munich is indeed working on a second-generation GTS. Though not many official details are available right now, if the production car mirrors the concept's aero upgrades and updated engine, we're in for one cool track toy in 2016.